As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1.    “Advertise” includes the issuing or causing to be distributed any card, sign, or device to any person; the causing, permitting, or allowing any sign or marking in or on any building, radio, or television; or advertising by any other means designed to secure public attention.

2.    “Associate marriage and family therapist” means an individual who has completed the educational requirements for a marriage and family license and who has successfully passed the licensing examination, but who has not yet successfully completed the supervised work experience requirement for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

3.    “Board” means the North Dakota marriage and family therapy licensure board.

4.    “Licensed marriage and family therapist” means an individual who holds a valid license issued under this chapter.

5.    “Marriage and family therapy” means the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Marriage and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

6.    “Practice of marriage and family therapy” means the rendering of marriage and family therapy services to individuals, couples, and families, singly or in groups, whether the services are offered directly to the general public or through organizations, either public or private, for a fee, monetary or otherwise.

7.    “Qualified supervision” means the supervision of clinical services, in accordance with standards established by the board, by an individual who has been recognized by the board as an approved supervisor. At least fifty percent of the hours of qualified supervision must be with an approved supervisor who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and additional hours of qualified supervision may be with other professionals designated by the approved supervisor and acting under the approved supervisor. The other professional must be approved by the board, approved by that individual’s licensing authority to supervise interns if appropriate, and competent in the area of practice being supervised. The marriage and family therapist approved supervisor remains the applicant’s supervisor of record.

8.    “Recognized educational institution” means any educational institution that grants a master’s or higher degree that is recognized by the board and by a regional accrediting body, or a postgraduate training institute accredited by the commission on accreditation for marriage and family therapy education.

9.    “Use a title or description of” means to hold oneself out to the public as having a particular status by means of stating on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcements, calling cards, or other instruments of professional identification.